going to the national gallery in london
Jul 19th, 2008, 07:01 AM
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going to the national gallery in london
I encourage those who are even mildly interested in art to make to the national gallery in London. I spent 3 hours there on a sunday morning until early afternoon.
It's pretty amazing art, and it's free.
The national gallery has 2 things that make it easier for visitors. First, there is a portable tape system that will give you information about any work you find interesting, which you can get for a donation. So, if you like a painting (say, painting number 103), you type in 103, and someone talks to you about this painting. this tape will also take you on a highlights tour if that's what you want.
the other neat thing the nat gall has is a computer room, on the same level as the cafe in the new wing. This computer groups all the paintings in a number of ways--by period, artist, theme, subject matter. and you can look at the picture on the computer, by clicking on it--and if you like one it has a neat zoom feature, and it tells you where the painting is in the museum. Another interesting thing about this computer is that it shows you what is in the collection but not currently on view.
ONe other thing I learned from playing with this computer. there is a mysterious "room A" on a different level from the other paintings that is only open on WEdnesday aft from 2-5. and it contains some interesting work. Whistler, for example.
the true art junkie therefore might plan to go wed aft and stay as late as you want--the gallery is open until 9 on Wed eve.
For a true art overload, one might also go the national portrait gallery next door, which is also free and very interesting.
It's pretty amazing art, and it's free.
The national gallery has 2 things that make it easier for visitors. First, there is a portable tape system that will give you information about any work you find interesting, which you can get for a donation. So, if you like a painting (say, painting number 103), you type in 103, and someone talks to you about this painting. this tape will also take you on a highlights tour if that's what you want.
the other neat thing the nat gall has is a computer room, on the same level as the cafe in the new wing. This computer groups all the paintings in a number of ways--by period, artist, theme, subject matter. and you can look at the picture on the computer, by clicking on it--and if you like one it has a neat zoom feature, and it tells you where the painting is in the museum. Another interesting thing about this computer is that it shows you what is in the collection but not currently on view.
ONe other thing I learned from playing with this computer. there is a mysterious "room A" on a different level from the other paintings that is only open on WEdnesday aft from 2-5. and it contains some interesting work. Whistler, for example.
the true art junkie therefore might plan to go wed aft and stay as late as you want--the gallery is open until 9 on Wed eve.
For a true art overload, one might also go the national portrait gallery next door, which is also free and very interesting.
Jul 20th, 2008, 11:59 AM
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Also the National Gallery is so well located, slap at the top of Traffy Square, that it is very easy to visit several times on one trip. Sometimes I have nipped in for only a 10-15 mins visit.
The Portrait Gallery, which is just around the corner, is also a great place to visit.
The Portrait Gallery, which is just around the corner, is also a great place to visit.
Jul 21st, 2008, 07:09 AM
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The Portrait Gallery has the Tudor Collection, which includes all of the paintings of that royal family. If you love learning about history, this is a must-see place! I had seen these paintings in textbooks years ago, and it was so nice to finally see them in person!
